What does a lychee martini taste like?
A lychee martini tastes sweet and floral, like rosewater and juicy white grapes, with smooth vodka underneath and a whole lychee waiting at the bottom.
Lychee martini
floral, sweet and silky
A lychee martini is vodka shaken with lychee liqueur or the syrup from canned lychees, sometimes with a splash of dry vermouth or lime. Lychee is a small tropical fruit with a fragrant, floral flavor, somewhere between a pear, a grape and a rose. The drink is pale, cold and smooth, sweet without tasting like candy if it's made well. The lime version is brighter and less sugary. It's not a true martini, just served in the glass, and it's much easier to drink than one.
Where you’ll see it
A favorite at Asian restaurants, sushi bars and lounges, served up in a martini glass with a lychee (sometimes stuffed with a raspberry) as the garnish.
Order it if you like sweet, fragrant drinks and want something smooth with sushi.
Quick questions
- What does lychee taste like?
- Sweet and floral, like a cross between a pear, a white grape and rosewater. It is juicy and fragrant rather than tart.
- Is a lychee martini sweet?
- Yes, usually. Most are made with lychee syrup or liqueur. A version with lime or dry vermouth is less sweet.